Canton August 2nd 1816  

I must steal a few moments from my daily employm
-ent to converse with the friend of my heart 
I cannot write very lengthy as the mail has 
all ready [sic] arriv'd [sic] - I have delayed answering 
yours of the 25th I am in expectation of an 
answer to my last - which has not yet arrived.
I was happy to hear of the reestablishment 
of your health - and I pray that that blessing 
may long be continued -
You propose my visiting Vermont in the Fall 
As it is your wish together with that of your 
friends I will cheerfully comply, for my 
pleasure, consists in a great degree, in pleasing 
others. - I shall accordingly make preparation 
for the journey - I have already made an 
arrangement for daughter Hannah to 
continue with my Brother untill [sic] next 
winter - It was not all together pleasing to 
her but she cheerfully [requissed?] -
Since last winter there has been scarce a 
sabbath when I've attended Church, but what
half the congregation have been looking for 
You - Allmost [sic] all in this Village are in daily 
expectation of your arrival - however I think 
they will about give up the idea of ever 
seeing you hear [sic], before September -

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Miss Goodhue and Hubbards love + good wishes 
were very acceptable, and you may, if you
please, present mine to them - 
I shall be highly delighted at seeing Sylvann
Battey - I hope he will continue some time 
In Chester -
Excuse all errors, and believe me to be in 
Great haste your affectionate Friend -  
				Louisa Foote

Capt Cephas L Rockwood

PS, Before the receipt of your last I was not 
apprised of your belonging to the fraternity of 
[underline] Free Masons [/underline] But I can assure you you are 
none the less acceptable for that - as I have 
a very exalted opinion of that society - 
My Father and my Brother Chauncey 
are both members -  The Masonic principles
I believe to be very correct - and I could not 
wish my Cephas to be more perfect than
the society adhering to them, would 
[make?] him - adieu 
			Louisa

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Canton Augt 5, 1816   [underline] Free [/underline]


	Capt. Cephas L. Rockwood
			Post Master
			Chester - 
				Vermont